How to Make a Credit-Card Bracelet
May 14, 2009 at 2:49 pm | Posted in Recycling, Tips | 104 CommentsEveryone knows that credit cards are for buying stuff you can’t afford. You get the stuff now, but don’t have to pay until, uh, later. Credit cards are based on the obsolete premise that in the future you’ll have more money than you have today. In the current economy, using credit cards to rack up high-interest debt is the world’s dumbest idea. The time has come to throw that credit card away —
Or to give it a whole new life as something else. Instead of using your credit card to buy a bracelet, why not turn the card into the bracelet? Pretty much useless for their original intended purpose, credit cards are like the vanished currency of a long-lost civilization. And just as humans have always adorned themselves with shiny accessories made of old coins, the time has come to do the same with credit cards. More lustrous than real gold, durable yet permeable, “gold cards,” “platinum cards” and American Express cards in particular make glorious jewelry. Repurpose these relics into tomorrow’s gems.
MAKE YOUR CREDIT-CARD BRACELET
A step-by-step photo guide
Before you get started, you will of course need to salvage an old credit card that you’ve discarded — or a new credit card that you’re about to stop using!
1. Cut the card into your chosen shapes: squares, rectangles, and ovals work best. Try to get at least six pieces out of each card.
2. If you’ve chosen squares or rectangles, trim their corners to form curves. (A bracelet that jabs you or catches on things is not a fun bracelet.) Arrange the pieces in an order that pleases you.
3. Using an electric drill, make holes in each card-piece through which loops will be inserted. Ensure that these holes are close enough to the edges of the plastic to accommodate at least half the diameter of each loop. Also ensure that the holes are big enough to allow the loops smooth movement. (Lacking a drill, you can make holes in the pieces using a hammer and a small nail, but the impact will create unwieldy raised edges around the holes on the reverse side.) Interior pieces need two holes at each end (equalling four holes per piece); the terminating pieces need two holes on one edge and one central hole on the final outer edge (equalling three holes each) for affixing the clasp mechanism.
4. Insert loops through holes to connect all the pieces. Squeeze the loops tight so that they won’t slip off. Affix clasp mechanism of your choice.
Voila! The final product.
5. Enjoy your finished credit-card bracelet.
Other types of jewelry can also be made with credit cards.
The credit-card ring — with windshield-glass “gems” scavenged from the scene of an auto burglary.
Credit-card earrings. Use your imagination to find ways of incorporating cards into other jewelry (or jewelry parts) that you’ve scavenged.
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pretty damn cool!
Comment by lydia— May 15, 2009 #
[…] Scavenging has step-by-step directions to turn your credit card into a bracelet, ring, or earrings. Check it out! Below is one of their […]
Pingback by Bargain Babe » Making jewelry out of credit cards— May 15, 2009 #
Wow, this is so creative! I’d love to link to this if you didn’t mind.
Comment by Rachel— May 15, 2009 #
Just found your site and can’t wait to follow your adventures in scavenomics!
I love this concept.
Where did the quote “Nothing is garbage anymore…” come from?
Comment by tammy— May 15, 2009 #
What a great project… and kind of a phuck you to the credit card issuers who rob people blind everyday and then ask for bailout monies… lol… You could always make one of these and send it to the card issuer… Im sure many would be amazed by it and get a good laugh!
Comment by JeffreyScottThomas— May 15, 2009 #
This is sooooooo kewl, I will have to make these as soon as I can get the other supplies
Comment by Susan— May 15, 2009 #
This is great! I’m gonna link from Dollar Store Crafts!
Comment by Heather - DollarStoreCrafts.com— May 16, 2009 #
What a totally fun idea!!
Comment by Sarah@thriftydecorchick— May 17, 2009 #
Too cool!!
Comment by Vanessa— May 17, 2009 #
I am so linking to this! You are a kindred soul indeed.
Comment by Sharon the Crafty Bag Lady— May 17, 2009 #
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Pingback by Dollar Store Crafts » Blog Archive » Make a Credit Card Bracelet— May 18, 2009 #
[…] I found this site called Scavenging that reuses…well, everything. It’s not really a crafting site, but definitely check it out for money-saving tips. With just an old credit card, some metal rings, and just a few tools to create the bracelet you can make something that looks like it came from a store. For some extra bling try using your platinum or gold card. Check out the full step by step directions here. […]
Pingback by How to Use Those Extra Credit Cards | FaveCraftsBlog— May 18, 2009 #
Wo that looks like such fun and makes a statement at the same time.
Comment by Perry Peck— May 26, 2009 #
While I don’t have Platinum credit cards, I do have a ton of Starbuck gift cards that people seem to think I want. Now I know what to do this them. Thanks!
Comment by R A Larkins— May 28, 2009 #
all I get is a blank page for tutorial for guitar picks
Comment by sharon— May 29, 2009 #
This is a good idea not just for credit cards but for gift cards. I’ve already been collecting old gift cards and have been looking for a use for them….think I found it :)
Comment by otbcreations— May 31, 2009 #
If you expect to always pay your monthly bill in full, your best choice may be a credit card that has no annual fee and offers a longer grace period.
Comment by No Fee Credit Card— June 10, 2009 #
What a really cool idea – I am going to make a bracelet this week. Thanks for the ingenious tip!
Comment by Sonnee McCabe— June 14, 2009 #
Wow, this is so creative
Comment by Manifest— June 30, 2009 #
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Pingback by Incredibly Weird Dresses Made From Credit Cards— July 20, 2009 #
One good way to get over having to rip up your gold Amex card I guess!
hope they have a platinum one to replace it with.
All the best
Sam
Comment by jewelry pendants— July 24, 2009 #
I love the irony of it all – especially using a GOLD amex card! Being frugal has never been so in your face! Sam
Comment by jewelry pendants— July 31, 2009 #
What a fantastic idea!!! I LOVE this! I am a lover of scavenging.
Comment by Lori— August 6, 2009 #
I try to stay away from credit card companies as much as possible. What a great alternative to the usual usage!
Comment by Creditrepair— September 4, 2009 #
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Pingback by Awesome Examples of Credit Card Arts and Crafts | Interbent— September 10, 2009 #
WOW, this is a cool way to use the old card just sitting in a box in my house! love it!
Read all the reviews of the jewelry stores that you are thinking to sell your gold jewelry at. Do you homework to get the best gold price.
Comment by How to sell gold jewelry— September 14, 2009 #
My wife would love one of the bracelets. BUT I WILL MAKE SURE I CUT UP ONE OF HERS NOT MINE. HAHA
Comment by sell jewelry tampa— September 15, 2009 #
What a funky idea! I will do this soon. :) I have a ton of cards sitting around and need a weekend fun project to do. :P
Comment by indygo— September 23, 2009 #
The ultimate bling Jewelry? Just wait till you see 50 Cent wearing one of these in his next music video! Nice Job. Keep the creative work coming.
Comment by Delta SkyMiles Credit Card— September 24, 2009 #
So cool!Wow~~
Your blog is so nice.I really like it.
By the way,
Would you like to have a link trading with me?
look forward to your reply.Thank you!
Comment by Manufacture Services— October 29, 2009 #
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Pingback by instantmoby | Check card credit checks— November 6, 2009 #
I remember making one of those for my mom……a long time ago.
The holidays are upon us and we have it all at great discounted prices. http://docketdirectories.com/Consumer_Jewelry.html
Comment by George— November 13, 2009 #
I would strongly suggest checking out the Jazz Jewelers before selling gold or silver to ANYONE. I did a great deal of research, online and offline, and learned a lot about this business. I checked pawn shops, jewelers, “gold parties”, hotel “buying events as well as the online buyers, including the “as seen on tv” guys. I found that the JAZZ JEWELERS paid more than anyone else I could find. http://sellgoldtampa.com I I can recommend them 100%
Comment by sell gold tampa— November 18, 2009 #
I just love this credit card jewelry idea as a person devoted to eliminating credit card debt!!! I wonder if you could make a customer pair for my wife with her credit card.
Comment by Don Draper— December 9, 2009 #
Very nice creative use of credit cards!! I agree that assuming that one is going to be making more money in the future is a risky assumption!
thanks for the idea!
TG
Comment by Thomas Goldman— December 10, 2009 #
Yeah,it is a good way to recycle your credit cards if you don’t need it anymore.Be fashionable and creative in a way of using materials available at your desk.
Comment by twilight jewellery— December 14, 2009 #
Great post, thanks for the information.
I comes from Indonesia, I’ve written many articles about jewelry We suggest you check out his other guide on SILVER, GOLD & DIAMOND Tips & Guide
Comment by Andreas— December 28, 2009 #
Thanks for the information!
Comment by Joyce— January 15, 2010 #
That is why I tell my readers at http://www.creditcarddebteliminationnow.com/ to get out of debt now and insulate yourself from any potential fallout of a failed world economy.
What a great way to start by making something useful with your credit cards!
Comment by DebtEliminationDon— January 16, 2010 #
Great information about making bracelet from credit card. I will definately consider your suggestion.
Comment by Online Jewelry Auction— January 22, 2010 #
This is great. This is for people who are very creative. Unfortunately, that’s not me. Thanks for the share
Comment by John Tinman— January 23, 2010 #
It’s shit!!How people can cut theit credit cards!!it looks terrible!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by daria— February 15, 2010 #
Credit card blog…
Charging haircuts credit card and chicken sandwiches to a Florida Republican Party credit card was a display of“ financial desperation” from Republican U. S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio , primary rival Gov. Charlie Crist said Friday….
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Interested in featuring this in a CreditCards.com story, please e-mail me and I’ll send more details.
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This is great! I’m gonna link from Dollar Store Crafts! That’s great to hear! Please let us know what you think of it. I am greatly enjoying it, myself.
0% apr credit card
Comment by Ritamoreno— March 19, 2010 #
Hi there,
In the spirit of your excellent blog – would you mind if I ‘scavenged’ the picture of the broken credit card for use on our home page to go with the main story that’s currently up there?
http://www.cebviews.com
Many thanks,
Tim Stafford
Comment by Tim Stafford— March 26, 2010 #
Debt is the slavery of the free..consumers need to eliminate debt.
Comment by legal debt settlement— March 31, 2010 #
This is a good idea not just for credit cards but for gift cards.
Credit Card
Comment by Credit Card— May 5, 2010 #
this is about the only thing credit cards are good for! lovely jewelry
Comment by clearwater gold— May 19, 2010 #
The society is facing problems with such laws. This has to go legal
and it’s needed to be sorted at the earlier.
Credit Card Deals
Comment by atul5— June 5, 2010 #
My credit cards are certainly useless now for anything but a bracelet. With every credit card company raising their rates (can someone say collusion?), even on people who have always paid on time, I refuse to support these crooks anymore!
Comment by Scotty Mack— June 9, 2010 #
Fantastic – how did you ever think of this? Love it? I got rid of my credit cards years ago – maybe I can make a bracelet from my grocery store card. Your site is terrific!!
Comment by Artisan Jewelry— June 13, 2010 #
Credit Card Tips
Comment by Credit Card Tips— July 5, 2010 #
I like credit card bracelet.
Comment by Credit Cards— July 9, 2010 #
Silver Earrings Looks pretty clean and was honored by most teenagers in modern times they are stylish and affordable. This is one of the best elements in the framework of gifts among young people and they like wearing the silver earrings that had been their routine. You get different views from these earrings.
Classic design includes a diamond looks good or you can select the crystals of zirconium looks exotic. Silver Earrings Soft light to talk about the resurgence of silver earrings set with pearls modes, all customized with a management perspective. The earrings are sterling silver jewelry part of the body that appeals to women.
Comment by ufcfactory.com— July 25, 2010 #
Pretty cool, now you got a real GOLD card bracelet. How about making one from a platinum card.
Those cards serve no good purpose anyway… so slice and dice em up… and make them into Bling!
Comment by Prayer Bracelets— October 16, 2010 #
Nice design, i would to make one credit card bracelet now.
Comment by sc2— October 22, 2010 #
That’s a great and very ingenious design :) And also very cheap. I love free stuff, if you do as well you can find some more free samples on the website. Thanks again for sharing! Best Regards :)
Comment by Freebie— December 21, 2010 #
Great share thanks for the nice read!
Comment by jersey shore season 3— January 1, 2011 #
Good share thanks!
Comment by jersey shore season 4— January 1, 2011 #
Hey, very informative and interesting. Looks like you put a lot of effort and research into it. Keep up the good work!
Comment by dubturboreview— February 23, 2011 #
I definitely agree with you, I’m still paying for my debt for years now, I must admit it’s the biggest mistake I’ve ever made, after I pay all my debt I definitely turn the cards into a bracelet like you have here, great idea, it also serve as a reminder not to do the same mistake again. Thanks for this, I’m glad I saw this.
Comment by Bea~ girls jewelry boxes— April 5, 2011 #
Very cute bracelet! I’m going to have to give it a try and make one of these sometime.
Comment by Mandy— April 13, 2011 #
That’s a great and very ingenious design :) And also very cheap. I love free stuff, if you do as well you can find some more free samples on the website. Thanks again for sharing! Best Regards :)
Comment by fashion jewelry online— May 18, 2011 #
creative idea, Ali that’s so great to hear! What a powerful mindset shift for you! :)
Comment by fashion jewelry online— May 18, 2011 #
Nice one :) The credit cards in your country look much nicer than the ones we have here.
Comment by Tabata timer— May 25, 2011 #
I swear in the last couple of months, I have seen at least 20-30 people with these credit card jewelry pieces. I assumed that it is something that every one purchased (with a credit card probably) becuase there were so many people that I saw with them. The most lavish one was this super long necklace that went practically down to the belly button and it was super colorful. Even though I wasn’t close enough to see all the logos, there was definitely three different card types. That lady must have completely gotten rid of every one of her CCs to make that piece.
Comment by Xfinity— June 6, 2011 #
Woww,Really great,I like the way you have wrote.Great Work
Comment by Social Poker— June 18, 2011 #
I wish I was creative and patient enough do make things like this. I prefer to use my credit cards to buy stuff but perhaps I can buy one of these from you, on credit. :) Really cute stuff, nice post.
Comment by vonage— June 30, 2011 #
tattooing images,
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Comment by flavored coffee— August 8, 2011 #
This is really interesting and awesome idea to make bracelet out of credit card. Good way to utilize the resources. Gonna try one.
Comment by Online jewelry— August 14, 2011 #
This has been a good information.Visiting here has been a good experience in my life. Hope to get more on the topic.
Comment by How to get rid of wrinkles— August 14, 2011 #
now if i can buy someones old AMX Black to make one! how cool would that be?
Comment by pawntampa— August 27, 2011 #
Pretty Cool, So amazing.
Comment by fashion jewelry wholesale— September 1, 2011 #
Great bracelet from great cc, hahahhaa
Comment by Zumba Fitness DVD Set— September 12, 2011 #
I just made one with a black amex that I got from ebay. My wife loves it! thank you for the great info.
Comment by selling gold tampa— September 17, 2011 #
And for that reason jewelry contains distinct styles and style and looks.
Comment by cheap real jewelry— September 21, 2011 #
Love This. Would love to include this in an upcoming article, “5 Fabulous Up-Cycle Crafts” on my hub. http://diydiva.hubpages.com/ Let me know if you’re okay with this, will give full credit and link back. :)
Comment by katherine1111— October 4, 2011 #
Silver bracelet is not favorite in Han nationality, Miao, Zhuang pandora silver charms and the other minority love to wear it too. Silver bracelets become a kind of family heirloom in rural China. When the young girl grows old enough, the grown-up matriarch, such as mother, grandmother will give her the treasured silver bracelets or other Pandora beads Canada .
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Comment by wheel hub— October 17, 2011 #
HAHAAH This is soo funny. You can also use cool gift cards since they’re useless anyways.
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Thanks mate it’s really useful !!!!
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I want to make the circles like the earrings, what do I use to cut the cards with?
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